Actually Waterproof Panniers

I've been reading (I know, dangerous) about panniers and the impression I get is only Ortlieb panniers are truly waterproof, is this really the case? I'm looking at Revolution or Altura panniers and their 'welded' ranges profess to be waterproof (in fact Altura's standard pannier says it's waterproof) will I still need to line these or can I trust that they will hold up to British weather?

In popularity the two most that spring to mind are Ortlieb and Carradice, followed by Altura.

The modern 'Roll Top' closure designs are the most popular in the Ortlieb range as in theory they are more waterproof than the more traditional 'lid type' closure. All the Ortlieb panniers that have that design have the word 'Roller' in the description, where as the normal are called names like Bike Packer.I am not saying that roll top closures in reality are indeed better, it is simply that in the Ortlieb range they out sell the lid closure with us by 8/1. The traditional styled lid type closure does in practice also make ideal weather resistant panniers, we have found that most who want the more traditional styling will often go for more traditionaly made panniers like Carradice Super C, if you want to know what I use then it is Carradice , they are 20 years old and still going strong. They are made of the tried and tested material 'Cotton Duck', the material itself is waterproof but the seams are not taped, so technically they can not advertise it as a waterproof pannier, 'Cotton Duck' is also about as durable as I have seen.

In practice however the material expands when wet closing the seams, I recall touring in the Picos De Europa one summer and carrying four litres of water in 2x 2ltr plastic bottles, one of which split emptying the entire 2lts into the pannier, which held the water like a bucket. I am not saying they are better than Ortlieb, both companies make a superb product, they are just different that's all, I doubt we will see many who have anything negative to say about either and rightly so.

No matter what the pannier areas though I would personally always carry vulnerable items in a poly' bag, moisture is in the air after all, plus in hot showery conditions the bags can sweat.

Hmmm, I've literally just read that somewhere else Paul! Word for word, on your comprehensive reply to the 'touring bike' thread on the CTC forum. All good advice, not knocking it mind.

I use the Ortleib lid type closure panniers. Excellent quality, robust and definitely waterproof. No problem recommending them on that score. My only comment on the lid closure type is that you have to pack cleverly in the top 1/3 of the pannier, else the lid wont fit properly! That's not an issue with the roll top type - just cram your stuff in and roll the top down.

I've got both types of Ortliebs and neither have ever even threatened to let in any water, they are completely waterproof and are proven thus. This is why they have such a remarkable reputation and quite rightly get to charge a small premium for their name. Why would you scrimp on this important item and save yourself a few quid but then regret it the moment the heavens open?

Anyway please don't be put off by complaints about font sizes. I am pleased that you are posting here as I have always been impressed by your knowledgeable and detailed posts when I occasionally go onto the CTC forum.

As I don't really have the time and inclination to hang round multiple cycling forums I hope you go on posting here.

Also, the old guard on this forum could do with some new blood to keep them on their toes and stop them obsessing about font sizes

Hmmm, I've literally just read that somewhere else Paul! Word for word, on your comprehensive reply to the 'touring bike' thread on the CTC forum. All good advice, not knocking it mind...

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It is indeed a common question to be asked and to save myself time writing it out again and again and again I do indeed on occasion copy and paste the relevant information from previous times I have aswered the same question; hope that is OK?

I did actually at one time try and mention as much as I could in one post , if the moderators think it appropriate I could reproduce that here?

It is indeed a common question to be asked and to save myself time writing it out again and again and again I do indeed on occasion copy and paste the relevant information from previous times I have aswered the same question; hope that is OK?

I did actually at one time try and mention as much as I could in one post , if the moderators think it appropriate I could reproduce that here?